Water cooler apparatus and accessories

ABSTRACT

A water cooler apparatus can be configured to be removably positioned on the top surface of a water cooler bottle. The water cooler apparatus can define at least one compartment that is configured to receive at least one type of item.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/794,809, which is titled “WATER COOLER ORGANIZER” and was filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed technology pertains to an apparatus to be used in connection with a water cooler.

BACKGROUND

Water coolers are common in the workplace, among various other locations. Over the years, water coolers have become more than mere sources of drinking water—they have also become synonymous with social gatherings. Indeed, the phrase “water cooler conversation” generally refers to social conversation between two or more people while getting water from the water cooler. Given the increasing amount of time certain people may spend in near proximity to a water cooler, there is an unmet need for any of a number of items that are generally not positioned at or near the water cooler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a water cooler apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a second example of a water cooler apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a third example of a water cooler apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a fourth example of a water cooler apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first example of a water cooler apparatus accessory in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second example of a water cooler apparatus accessory in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third example of a water cooler apparatus accessory in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth example of a water cooler apparatus accessory in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fifth example of a water cooler apparatus accessory in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth example of a water cooler apparatus accessory in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 11 illustrates a seventh example of a water cooler apparatus accessory in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 12 illustrates an eighth example of a water cooler apparatus accessory in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example 100 of a water cooler apparatus 102 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. In the example 100, the water cooler apparatus 102 is positioned on the top surface of a water cooler bottle 104 that is suitable for use with a conventional water cooler base, for example. The water cooler apparatus 102 may be formed or otherwise configured to be easily positionable on top of—and removable from—the water cooler bottle 104. The water cooler apparatus 102 may be constructed so as to fit, loosely or snugly, on the top surface of most commercial and consumer-type water cooler water bottles that are presently available.

The water cooler apparatus 102 may be constructed from any of a number of suitable materials, such as plastic, and may be formed in a manner so as to define at least one compartment 103 in which multiple items may be organized. In certain embodiments, one or more partitions may be integrally formed or otherwise positioned within the compartment 103, e.g., so as to divide the compartment 103 into multiple sub-compartments. Any of a number of different items such as cups, napkins, tissue boxes, instant coffee packets, drink stirrers, and tea bags, for example, can easily be sanitarily stored and organized using such sub-compartments. For example, in certain embodiments, one sub-compartment may be used for cups and another sub-compartment may be used for tea bags, while yet another sub-compartment may be used for napkins.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a second example of a water cooler apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 2A illustrates a single water cooler apparatus 202 having a bowl-like shape configured to allow stacking, and FIG. 2B illustrates stacking of the water cooler apparatus 202 with other water cooler apparatuses 204 and 206. While the example shows only three water cooler apparatuses 202-206, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that virtually any number of water cooler apparatuses such as those illustrated by FIGS. 2A and 2B may be stacked together, e.g., for ease of transport or distribution.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a third example of a water cooler apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 3A illustrates a single water cooler apparatus 302 having a generally wavy form configured to allow stacking, and FIG. 3B illustrates stacking of the water cooler apparatus 302 with other water cooler apparatuses 304 and 306. While the example shows only three water cooler apparatuses 302-306, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that virtually any number of water cooler apparatuses such as those illustrated by FIGS. 3A and 3B may be stacked together, e.g., for ease of transport or distribution.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a fourth example of a water cooler apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. FIG. 4A illustrates a single water cooler apparatus 402 having a pot-like shape configured to allow stacking, and FIG. 4B illustrates stacking of the water cooler apparatus 402 with other water cooler apparatuses 404 and 406. While the example shows only three water cooler apparatuses 402-406, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that virtually any number of water cooler apparatuses such as those illustrated by FIGS. 4A and 4B may be stacked together, e.g., for ease of transport or distribution.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first example 500 of a water cooler apparatus accessory 502 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. In the example 500, the water cooler apparatus accessory 502 includes two sub-assemblies 502A and 502B that may be removably coupled with a water cooler apparatus 504. In certain embodiments, only one of the sub-assemblies 502A and 502B may be used in connection with the water cooler apparatus 504. In alternative embodiments, more than two sub-assemblies may be used in connection with the water cooler apparatus 504

In certain embodiments, the sub-assemblies 502A and 502B may each have curved portions, e.g., lips, configured to receive the upper edge of the water cooler apparatus 504. In alternative embodiments, the sub-assemblies 502A and 502B may securely attach to the water cooler apparatus 504 by way of clips or other suitable components. The sub-assemblies 502A and 502B may be formed or have a shape such that they can be stackable with each other.

The sub-assemblies 502A and 502B may form compartments 503A and 503B, respectively, that are suitable for receiving items such as cups, napkins, tissue boxes, instant coffee packets, drink stirrers, and tea bags, for example. In certain embodiments, one or more partitions may be integrally formed or otherwise positioned within either or both of the compartments 503A and 503B, e.g., so as to divide the compartment 503 into multiple sub-compartments.

The sub-assemblies 502A and 502B may be fully separate from each other or they may be integrated together, e.g., by way of a connecting member (not shown) that bridges either or both of the gaps between the two sub-assemblies 502A and 502B.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second example of a water cooler apparatus accessory 602 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. The water cooler apparatus accessory 602 of FIG. 6 is similar to the sub-assemblies 502A and 502B of FIG. 5 but, whereas neither of the sub-assemblies 502A and 502B of FIG. 5 extend completely around the perimeter of the top edge of the water cooler apparatus 504, the water cooler apparatus accessory of FIG. 6 is formed so as to extend around the entire perimeter of the top edge of a water cooler apparatus.

The water cooler apparatus accessory 602 of FIG. 6 may form a compartment 603 that is suitable for receiving items such as cups, napkins, tissue boxes, instant coffee packets, drink stirrers, and tea bags, for example. In certain embodiments, one or more partitions may be integrally formed or otherwise positioned within the compartment 603, e.g., so as to divide the compartment 603 into multiple sub-compartments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third example of a water cooler apparatus accessory 702 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. In the example, the water cooler apparatus accessory 702 includes a body portion 704 that forms or otherwise defines a compartment 703 that is suitable for receiving items such as a cup or mug, for example. The water cooler apparatus accessory 702 also includes a coupling portion 706 that is formed or otherwise configured to couple with, e.g., rest on or removably attach to, a water cooler apparatus.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth example of a water cooler apparatus accessory 802 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. In the example, the water cooler apparatus accessory 802 includes a body portion 804 that forms or otherwise defines two compartments 803A and 803B, either of which is suitable for receiving items such as drink stirrers, for example. The water cooler apparatus accessory 802 also includes a coupling portion 806 that is formed or otherwise configured to couple with, e.g., rest on or removably attach to, a water cooler apparatus.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fifth example of a water cooler apparatus accessory 902 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. In the example, the water cooler apparatus accessory 902 includes three sub-assemblies 904A-904C that each form or otherwise define compartments 903A-903C, respectively, any of which may be suitable for receiving items such as instant coffee packets and tea bags, for example. While the sub-assemblies 904A-904C shown in FIG. 9 are generally positioned in a vertical orientation, one having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other arrangements, e.g., horizontal orientations, may be used. The water cooler apparatus accessory 902 also includes a coupling portion 906 that is formed or otherwise configured to couple with, e.g., rest on or removably attach to, a water cooler apparatus.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth example of a water cooler apparatus accessory 1002 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. In the example, the water cooler apparatus accessory 1002 includes a body portion 1004 that forms or otherwise defines a compartment 1003 that is generally configured to receive—and dispense—cups, e.g., disposable cups that are cone-shaped generally cylindrically-shaped or other types of suitable cups. The water cooler apparatus accessory 1002 also includes a coupling portion 1006 that is formed or otherwise configured to couple with, e.g., rest on or removably attach to, a water cooler apparatus.

FIG. 11 illustrates a seventh example of a water cooler apparatus accessory 1102 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. In the example, the water cooler apparatus accessory 1102 includes a wire body portion 1104 configured to receive at least one type of item, e.g., a cup. The water cooler apparatus accessory 1102 also includes coupling members 1106A and 1106B configured to couple with, e.g., rest on the top edge of, a water cooler apparatus.

FIG. 12 illustrates an eighth example of a water cooler apparatus accessory 1202 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. In the example, the water cooler apparatus accessory 1202 includes a body portion 1204 that forms or otherwise defines a compartment 1203 configured to receive at least one type of item, e.g., a cup or mug. The water cooler apparatus accessory 1202 also includes a coupling portion 1206 that is formed or otherwise configured to couple with, e.g., rest on or removably attach to, a water cooler apparatus.

In certain embodiments, such as those illustrated by FIGS. 2-4, for example, lighting elements such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), for example, may be positioned or otherwise provided underneath the water cooler organizer, e.g., within an inside portion thereof, for convenient and attractive lighting.

Alternatively or in addition thereto, one or more hanging dispensers, e.g., for medicine or hand sanitizer, for example, may be used in connection with the water cooler organizer.

Alternatively or in addition thereto, one or more signs and/or electronic displays may be mounted on a side of the water cooler organizer. For example, such signs and/or displays may be used to visually provide information for employees (e.g., in a work environment), friends (e.g., in a social environment) or family members (e.g., in a home environment).

Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention with reference to illustrated embodiments, it will be recognized that the illustrated embodiments may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles, and may be combined in any desired manner. And although the foregoing discussion has focused on particular embodiments, other configurations are contemplated. In particular, even though expressions such as “according to an embodiment of the invention” or the like are used herein, these phrases are meant to generally reference embodiment possibilities, and are not intended to limit the invention to particular embodiment configurations. As used herein, these terms may reference the same or different embodiments that are combinable into other embodiments.

Consequently, in view of the wide variety of permutations to the embodiments described herein, this detailed description and accompanying material is intended to be illustrative only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. What is claimed as the invention, therefore, is all such modifications as may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A water cooler apparatus that is configured to be removably positioned on the top surface of a water cooler bottle, the water cooler apparatus defining a compartment that is configured to receive at least one type of item.
 2. The water cooler apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water cooler apparatus defines a plurality of compartments, each of which is configured to receive at least one type of item.
 3. The water cooler apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one partition component that is configured to be positioned within the compartment to separate the compartment into a plurality of sub-compartments, each of which is configured to receive at least one type of item.
 4. The water cooler apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one partition component is easily re-positionable within the compartment.
 5. The water cooler apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one type of item is selected from a group consisting of the following: cups, mugs, napkins, tissue boxes, instant coffee packets, drink stirrers, and tea bags.
 6. The water cooler apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water cooler apparatus is made of plastic.
 7. A system, comprising: a water cooler apparatus that is configured to be removably positioned on the top surface of a water cooler bottle, the water cooler apparatus defining a compartment that is configured to receive at least one type of item; and a water cooler apparatus accessory configured to removably couple with the water cooler apparatus.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the water cooler apparatus accessory defines a compartment configured to receive at least one type of item.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the compartment of the water cooler apparatus accessory is configured to receive disposable cups.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the water cooler apparatus accessory defines a plurality of compartments, each of which is configured to receive at least one type of item.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the water cooler apparatus accessory includes multiple sub-assemblies that are each configured to receive at least one type of item.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the water cooler apparatus accessory includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to the water cooler apparatus.
 13. The system of claim 7, wherein the water cooler apparatus defines a plurality of compartments, each of which is configured to receive at least one type of item.
 14. The system of claim 7, further comprising a partition component configured to separate the compartment into a plurality of sub-compartments, each of which is configured to receive at least one type of item.
 15. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one type of item is selected from a group consisting of the following: cups, mugs, napkins, tissue boxes, instant coffee packets, drink stirrers, and tea bags. 